Richard Thomas Cornell Sr.

Richard T. "Dick" Cornell Sr. of Delmar, NY and Sarasota FL passed away suddenly on May 17, 2017. He was 74 years old. Dick was born in Albany, NY on November 6, 1942 to Anna (Condo) Cornell and Anthony Cornell Sr.. He was a 1960 graduate of Bethlehem Central High School and a 1965 graduate of Albany College of Pharmacy. He married Esther Murphy in 1965 and they spent 52 years together as partners in love and life, constant companions and best friends. It was rare to see one without the other by their side. Dick was a devoted father to Julie (Wade) and Ricky (Richard Cornell, Jr.). He was a doting grandfather to Jon Clark, Jr., Jacob Clark, Alissa Triplett and Michelle Cornell, and great grandfather to Travis and Skyla Triplett. He was one of three Cornell brothers of Albany and Delmar, NY and is survived by his brothers Anthony Cornell and Daniel Cornell.. He was the father in law to Stephanie Cornell and Mark Wade. He was the brother in law of Eileen Clyne, Diane Cornell, Linda DeLorenzo, the late Joyce Klein (Eugene), Fran Delapenha (Don), and William L. Murphy (Suzanne). He enjoyed being an uncle to many nieces and nephews. He was a friend to many and his close lifelong friendships remained a constant source of joy to him. Dick was the owner of RT Cornell Pharmacy in Ravena, NY and Branch Drugs in Albany, NY. He was an avid golfer and walker, and a lover of books and crosswords. He loved the Yankees and watching college basketball (especially when Duke or Syracuse were playing). He loved a good joke, but could rarely get through one with out laughing before the punch line. As quick as he was with a smile or laugh, he was prone to sentimentality with those he loved. He was a great caretaker of his family, his customers and his friends. He would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. He loved and was loved by many, and he will be truly missed. Friends and loved ones are invited to join the family at a memorial service at St. Thomas Church in Delmar on Saturday June 3rd at 10:00 AM, with a luncheon to follow at the American Legion Hall. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to Albany College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences Jimmy Morrissey Scholarship Fund '65; or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.